As Team India prepares for the ICC Champions Trophy final against New Zealand, vice-captain Shubman Gill highlighted the team’s focus, dismissing retirement talks amid the excitement of the match. Gill expressed enthusiasm for his second ICC final, aiming to improve upon their previous performance in the 2023 ODI World Cup. He praised the batting lineup, calling it the best he has been part of, with contributions from stars like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Gill assured that pitch conditions will remain consistent, emphasizing the team’s determination to secure their third Champions Trophy title.
NEW DELHI: As Team India gets ready to take on New Zealand in the ICC Champions Trophy final on Sunday in Dubai, vice-captain Shubman Gill has downplayed any off-field distractions, asserting that retirement discussions are absent from the dressing room. The team remains entirely focused on securing the title after an unbeaten journey through the tournament.
Speaking to the media ahead of the final, Gill shared his enthusiasm about participating in his second ICC final and highlighted the team’s resolve to surpass their previous performance in the 2023 ODI World Cup, where they fell short at the final hurdle.
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“I’m very excited for my second ICC final… I will aim to achieve what we couldn’t last time (2023 World Cup),” Gill stated.
India’s batting order has been a formidable force throughout the tournament, with all key players contributing significantly. Gill openly praised the current squad, labeling it the best he has ever been part of.
“This is the best Indian batting lineup I have ever been a part of, with all-time legends like Virat [Kohli] bhai and Rohit [Sharma] bhai. Rohit bhai is among the greatest openers, and Virat bhai is an all-time great. Our batting depth is incredible — KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Shreyas Iyer — everyone is contributing,” he remarked.
When discussing the pitch conditions for the final, Gill suggested that the surface is expected to remain consistent with its performance throughout the tournament, despite the prevailing hot weather.
“The pitch will not behave differently. Regardless of the heat, it will play just like it has throughout the tournament,” he noted.
With rumors surrounding the futures of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, Gill made it clear that the team’s singular focus is on the final match.
“There’s been no discussion in the dressing room concerning that with me. Rohit bhai, like the rest of us, is solely focused on the Champions Trophy final. So there’s nothing about that right now,” he clarified.
With India’s powerful batting lineup and bowlers in prime form, the Men in Blue are set to aim for their third Champions Trophy title, capping off another remarkable ICC campaign.